Nam Giao

This is my first time coming to Nam Ciao.

Been reading alot about them, just haven't had a chance to come here. 

Bahn Beo Chen - steamed pancake, it has dried shrimp on top, pork crackling, scallion, and is served with fish sauce.  It's pretty neat, like a mini dish you have the flavors all in one bite.  

Also go the Bahn Quai Vac - which is shrimp and pork glass dumpling, which uses thinner skin for the dumplings than you're used to seeing.  It is stickier by texture but pretty good. 

Got the Com Thit Nuong - which is grilled pork with rice, it came with pickled vegetable and sliced tomato, it's very well balanced.  We had gotten the sugarcane juice, but to be honest, it's doesn't have any flavor.  A legit cane juice is naturally sweet and should've came out a tad more watery than green, so won't be getting that again. 

Overall the meal is not bad, the service is quick as most Asian eateries are.  Buy once they get busy they do get busy, so food might have to wait, but they're quick as soon as they can get to it.

Nam Giao

6938 Wilcrest Dr, Ste C

Houston, Tx 77072

281-568-4888

 

Pho Binh Katy

We were out by Katy Mills and grabbed bowl of pho to keep warm.

Outside of Katy Mills, it was easy to find but parking can be a challenge.

Once you get in, you check out the menu and order at the counter.

While you wait for a table to open up, you can sit and take a selfie with this pretty background.

The pho that arrived was huge.

I got the rare steak beef pho.  They give you tons of noodles, so it definitely warms your tummy.  The beef are thinly sliced and it's easy to tear apart.  The broth is fully flavor and light textured.  It hit the spot when the weather is turning cold.

Parking can be a challenge during busy time.  They are quite popular in the area.  Not to mention the other businesses in that shopping center, so it can be a challenge.  So be prepare to look around.

Pho Binh Katy

25621 Nelson Way 

Ste 130

Katy, TX 77494

832-437-9486

https://www.phobinhkaty.com/

 

Yummy Pho & Bo Ne

Went to Yummy Pho Bo Ne.

They're known for their bone marrow pho and their steak and eggs.

Since it's peach season, to start, got a peach iced tea.  There are real peach slices in there.

Don't even know what possessed me, I got a large bowl of pho, there's alot of pho in there.  Also has alot of meat.  Since it's nice and soft, it's easy to tear apart with chopsticks and noodles are small enough, without too much chewing involved.  The broth is pretty good, which is probably the draw.

The place was packed within a few minutes of our arrival.  Had we missed it, we would've had to wait.  This place is popular no matter what time.  Supposedly you can book a table online, but I'm not too trusting on that, since they squeeze you in wherever they can. 

Yummy Pho & Bo Ne - Katy

23119 Colonial Pkwy

#A11

Katy, TX 77449

https://yummyphokaty.com/

Yummy Pho & Bo Ne - Tomball

17375 Tomball Pkwy

Ste 2H

Houston, TX 77064

https://www.yummyphotomball.com/

 

Local Pho

Went back to Sawyer Yards for dinner.

This time we ended up at Local Pho.

Whole place is very low key, you order, sit down and just wait.

I got the Pho Tai, that's my usual go-to for a new place.  Usually you can't mess that up too bad because if the broth is good, it'll be good for the rest.  The broth is watered down a bit but flavor is good. I also ordered Cha Gio - aka spring roll.  They did give a little bit of lettuce and fish sauce.  Nice and crispy - pretty good. 

The whole place has a very Westernized feel than your Pho shop that are ran by old skool mom and pop.  This is still mom and pop but it's way more hip, not to mention being in Sawyer Yards.  Not a bad eat for something quick and easy and you don't want to drive down to Chinatown, this is a good fix.  

Local Pho

2313 Sawyer Yards

# 145

Houston, TX 77007

281-501-2705

http://www.localpho.com/

 

Don's Cafe

This is a stable in Chinatown, 

I've actually never been inside before, despite them being a cornerstone for the Chinatown community.

It was rainy, so Pho was just the comfy food.

I got the Pho Tai, nothing much to it.  Beef Broth, beef that are cooked on rare, parsleys, onion and vermicelli.  Of course, you put your own lime juice, bean sprouts and japaleno pepper, should you needed a kick.  

It was a bit confusing because I see a lot of folks do to-go orders, so they naturally walk up to the counter, place the order, paid and sit down.  But yet another group of kids sat down and there's a guy (not sure if it's the sever but someone that works there) came and took their order and delivered food.  So, guess it can go both ways.  Do bring cash, since they are primarily a cash operation.

Don Cafe

9300 Bellaired Blvd

Houston, TX 77030

 

Bodard Bistro

Last time I was at Bodard it was before the world shut down.

Even though I know they have moved from the last time I ate there, I also didn't try very hard to sought them out.

Since I was in the mood, it was lucky to find it nearby where I was.

Got their famous Nem Nuong Cuon.  Actually when I said the spring roll, they lady already know, since it's their famous item on the menu. It has grilled pork, lettuce, and crunchy layer in the middle.  The gravy you dip is like a congee texture, thicker than soup, but it's nice and warm and goes together well.

This is the Salty Fish with Diced Chicken fried rice.  It's really a Chinese dish, but I get it wherever I can find them.  I like theirs more than House of Bowls because you can tell that they actually used legit salty fish.  You can actually taste in some of the bites you take.  Versus before, I can smell it but can't the saltiness that is supposed to come with the dish.  So, this is a win for me.

They used to be inside the Beltway on Bellaire.  Now they moved across from Hong Kong City, that area is quite congested even though lots of good shops are around.  That said, the quality is definitely still there.  Even though they've opened back up for dine-in, seems like guests still like their food for party setting.  There were a line of trays with various dishes, must be a big party.  Go check them out.

Bodarad Bistro

11350 Bellaire Blvd

Ste 100

Houston, TX 77072

https://bodardbistrohouston.com

 

Alpha Bakery

Haven't been inside Hong Kong City mall forever.  I used to at least go eat near the area, but traffic there can get hectic, so avoided it for a while.  Happen to run an errand nearby, so decided to stop in.

Came across Alpha Bakery, lots of people lining up, and curiosity got the best of me.

You walk in and there are rows and rows of prepared food neatly stacked and ready to go.  There are spring rolls, fried tofu... 

and desserts.

I got the Bahn Beo, steamed fan cake.  Nice that they list all the info on the sticker.

What's in the pack: a small container of fish sauce (which they did put some pepper in there), the little bag on the upper right is fried onion.  Then they use rice flour to make these little mini disks which the texture is more like a thicker rice noodle.  The texture has to be a tad thicker to hold the toppings.  The orange stuff are fried shrimp crumbs, there are mung beans and green onions.  

So I like to spread the topping evenly across.  Then drizzle the fried onions, then pour on the fish sauce all around.  So every bite, you get a bit of everything.  It's actually pretty filling, so one will do the trick for me.  

Besides that, the shop is known of its Bahn Mi - as a matter of fact, when we walked up to the cashier, first thing they ask is how many you want, meaning how many sandwiches.  Since we stocked up on other food, we didn't get anything but that is definitely the thing to get here.  They also have palmier, macarons and other cookies for sale as well.  Definitely support this mom and pop shop.

Alpha Bakery

inside Hong Kong City Mall

11209 Bellaire Blvd

Houston, TX 77072

281-988-5222

Xin Chao

This is technically my 2nd Restaurant Week meal, but I was too hungry, plus the to-go packaging wasn't all that appealing, so no pic to share. 

This time is to Xin Chao.  It was a collaboration between Christine Ha, Master Chef Winner & owner of Blind Goat and Tony Nguyen, founder of Wokker TX Ranger food truck & Saigon House.

What I didn't recognized until I pulled up was that this was formerly Beavers!  Also very closed to a friend's house and almost automatically turn on their street.  But I digress.

Happy Hour menu - from 5-6:30p Sunday thru Thursday.  Definitely try them all... I fully intend to come back just to do that. 

I got the Sugar Cane Juice, you don't get these easily.  And no, it's non-alcoholic.

For my Restaurant Week set, starter was: Not Our Ma's Eggrolls.  It has crab, shrimp, pork inside.  The trick is tear the lettuce (yes, not only for decoration), and wrap it around the egg roll.  Dip it into the fish sauce and enjoy.  Trust me on this... 

Off HRW menu, I had to get the Grilled Oysters, which came out hot, hot, hot!  It has oyster, pork cracklin' but also look to be bits of bacon, peanut, lime juice.  It's good... get it! 

Entree: their flagship dish - Braised Pork & Crispy Rice served in a hot stone pot.  It has scallion greens, some celery, pork (YUM), 60 degree egg.  And in Asian culture, you often see this dish and it is THE BEST to have during Winter time, because it will warm your belly.  The rice is crispy because it's 'burnt' by the pot.  And they have some sauce from the pork to 'soften' it up.  It's pretty good.

Last but not least, dessert: their famous Rubbish Apple Pie ala mode.  Besides apple and pastry, it has a hint of star anise, ginger, salted caramel sauce (where I later found out it has a hint of fish sauce), and vanilla ice cream.  I cleaned the plate of course.  

Overall the experience was great.  Definitely make the reservation before coming.  Whether online or by phone.  If you just show up, it is not guaranteed a seat.  Bar area is small, so those fill up fast.  

Server was fine.  But I have to say, our hostess, was the mostess.  She can sense that I was a tad sensitive about sitting near others indoors, and while we all know they have to fill the tables, she tried to seat folks at other tables until she absolutely have to seat someone next to us.  By then, we were paying our bill, so it was no biggie.  While they do have ample outdoor seating, the sky was gloomy and I was informed that if we sit outside and it's full inside, when it rains, we won't be able to find a seat.  So if you're sensitive about crowded places, go early.

Xin Chao

2310 Decatur St

Houston, TX 77007

832-740-4888

https://www.xinchaohtx.com

 

Kim Son - Rice Village

For a rainy day, some comfort food is needed.

Kim Son had since took over the NAM space in Rice Village.

We started the appetizer with fried egg roll.  You're supposed to grab some lettuce, wrap the egg roll inside and then dip into the fish sauce.  I love these growing up, so it's definitely fun and crunchy goodness.

Then we ordered good o' fashion pho with beef.  You see it comes with a lot of broth, and you can add noodles if you know you'll be enjoying the noodles more.  Tons of beef slices, onion and the pack came with bean sprouts, mint leaves, and lime.  Of course they pack you with sauces and spoon too.  They really think of everything you would want to add to a bowl of pho.  

They gave you so much broth as a matter of fact that we had enough to make our own noodle soup the next day.  So you get a lot out of one order.  The online ordering is super easy and ready to be pick up quickly after the order has been confirmed.  Super convenient.

Kim Son Cafe

Rice Village

2512 Rice Blvd

Houston, Tx 77005

713-533-1188

https://kimsoncafe.com

 

Roostar Vietnamese Grill

When I went to pick up the Miso Sweets, it was at Roostar.  Figured, might as well pick up dinner while I'm there.

It's been a while since I had Bahn Mi, sure why not?!

Off hand, I ordered the Grilled Pork Bahn Mi.  

Then, I ordered a Pate Bahn Mi.  I grew up eating pate, so was curious how they would make a sandwich out of it.

To my surprised, they give you tons of meat, and they're nicely marinated and super tasty.  You can also taste the quality of meat, they didn't skim on that.

For the Pate one, I was surprised on that one too.  First of, I took off the usual, cilantro, carrots and what nots; then added fried tofu in there.  That was serendipitous because the pate would've been strong, which is fine, but having the fried tofu slices balances out the flavors and the texture helped made the sandwich.  Overall, it was a pleasant surprise.  

I'll definitely go back to check out their other dishes, like the Sous Vide Pork Belly Bahn Mi, their Boxes (which is protein + veggie/carb, sauce), their Bulgogi Fries (or variations thereof), or their wings.  Hmm, wings.

Roostar Vietnamese Grill

5551 Richmond Ave

Houston, TX 77056

832-767-3319

https://www.myroostar.com

 

Migo Saigon Food Street

                                     Went back to Migo Street Food for take-out.                                                

Order some noodles and fried fish balls.  

Like a lot of places, for to-go, the soup comes separate from the noodles so that the dish is not soggy by the time you get home. 

Here's the finished product: Hu Tien Go which is chicken broth, pork slice, bean sprout, fried onions and green onions.

I placed the order and then went and grab food from another store and it worked out perfectly where it was ready when I got back.  The whole process didn't take 15 mins like they were telling me.  That said, if you phone in the order, do time it because it also depends if anybody ended up dining in as well.  Of course, you can order via Grubhub for them.

Migo Saigon Food Street

9393 Bellaire Blvd

Ste H

Houston, TX 77036

713-393-7388

https://migosaigonfoodstreet.com

Migo Street Food

Located at the new Food Strip Center at Bellaire.  Been curious about Migo Street Food

The menu looks simple enough, but the add-ons and small dish is really what I love here.

Got a Migo Ca Phe Suda - not too sweet, but definitely pack the punch.

Mi Ga, chicken noodles with chicken broth.  I like that it is tasty but not complicate and simple.  Free range chicken, vermicelli, sprouts, scallions, and crispy onion in chicken broth.  Very straight forward, very tasty.

Fried Fish Balls with dipping sauces.  Their side dish menu is really what made the Street Food part for me.  They have wonton, gizzard, corn, wonton, pork bones.  Everything would've been too much. Just for a easy going lunch, fish balls with my noodles is enough.

The decor is cute, like as though you're eating at the streets of Vietnam.  Which, of course, you're not, but its casual too.  The folks there are nice and serve food very quickly.  

Migo Street Food

9393 Bellaire Blvd 

Ste H

Houston, TX 77036

https://migosaigonfoodstreet.com

Bodard Vietnamese

My mom introduced me to Bodard.

But first! Must have Vietnamese Iced Coffee.  Not very many places do the old fashion coffee drip in front of you anymore.  In the old days you get a small glass of condensed milk, little coffee filter with grounds and water inside.  You just have to watch it finish dripping.  Then, separately you get a glass of ice, and you pour your hot coffee over the ice, that's how you get the Iced Vietnamese Coffee (Cafe Su Da) but now they are pre-mixed.

The server didn't even ask us, and she already knew what we wanted to order like she has psychic power.  She put us down for their famous Bodard rolls and a bowl of pho.  The rolls are much like a summer roll, wrapped with thin rice wrap paper, grilled pork, lettuce, cucumber, carrots and crunchy roll in the middle.  That's what makes this dish popular.  Then you dip in this warm sauce, which I still haven't really made up my mind on that yet.  It's a good combo, but it's fine without the sauce as well.

Bodard Bistro

8282 Bellaire Blvd

Houston, TX 77036

713-541-5999

The Blind Goat

Finally made it to Blind Goat inside Bravery Food Hall.

It is located towards the back of the food hall.

Haven't seen one of these for a long time, even though I haven't been drinking soda, just have to grab one.

Peanut Tofu dish: vermicelli at the bottom, fried tofu, toasted coconut, pickled vegetable, and egg roll on top.  It's a good vegetarian alternative.

This is the G.O.A.T. Curry.  Rice at the bottom, that actually has goat, potato, lemongrass, mustard green and egg roll.  This is a good gluten free alternative.

After you're done, check out the 'Secret Garden' out back of the building.  You can also grab a cup of coffee at the greenhouse and take a few pics for the gram.  

Occasionally, you can run into Christine Ha, the winner of Masterchef and also owner for The Blind Goat.  She's there pretty regularly.  Don't be afraid to talk to her, she's pretty friendly.

The Blind Goat

inside Bravery Chef Hall

409 Travis St

Houston, TX 77002

346-298-1660

https://www.theblindgoat.com